Today we wanted to photograph one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan and one of the most beautiful mountains in the world – Mount Fuji. And a famous photo spot for this is the Arakurayama Sengen Park with the great Chureito Pagoda.
Table of contents
From Tokyo to Mount Fuji
The day before we wanted to buy bus tickets for the trip with the “Highway Bus” to Mount Fuji, but unfortunately the buses were already fully booked for the next two days. So we had no choice but to take the local trains to Kawaguchiko, which takes a lot longer with 3 times change. So we were already sitting in the train at 7.30 in the morning on the way to Mount Fuji.
The rail links from Tokyo to Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is located about 100 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. It is a stratovolcano and at 3,776 meters the highest mountain in Japan. Since 2013 it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, the highest mountain in Japan has not made it to the World Heritage Site due to environmental problems. But Mount Fuji is the symbol of Japan and is very important both religiously and artistically. From Shinjuku station, the best way to get to Takao is on the Keio Line. There you climb the JR Chuo-Line to Otsuki and from there you continue with the private Fujikyuko-Line to Kawaguchiko. The trip cost us about 30,- € per person.
Arakurayama Sengen Park
On the way to Kawaguchiko we got off at the Shimoyoshida stop. Here is the Arakurayama Sengen Park. From the train station you turn right and reach the entrance to the park in about 5 minutes.
Here you can already see the Torri, a typical red Japanese entrance gate.
Photo of Mount Fuji with the Chureito Pagoda
The trail leads from here over about 400 steps up the mountain and you are rewarded at the end with a wonderful view of Mount Fuji. And all this completely free of charge. Here is also the red Chureito Pagoda, which was built in memory of the victims of the First World War and completes the great photo motif. The view to the cherry blossom season in March / April should be particularly great, when the red of the trees and the snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji form a wonderful contrast.
After our photo stop in Arakurayama Sengen Park we went on to the Shibazakura Festival.
All travelogues from Japan
After spending 4 days in Japan we can say, that we really liked Tokyo! The Japanese are incredibly polite and friendly and despite such a huge city there is no hectic rush. There's something to see on every corner, the city seems very modern and is nevertheless down-to-earth. Even the taxi drivers all wear suits and ties. In Tokyo we would have definitely wanted to spend a few more days.
» Tokyo – Our flight from Australia to Japan» Tokyo – The Pandas & Sea Lions at Ueno Zoo
» Tokyo – Ameyoko Street & the district Shibuya
» Tokyo – Metropolitan Government Building & Tokyo Tower
» Tokyo – Imperial Palace & Sensoji Temple in Asakusa
» Arakurayama Sengen Park, Chureito Pagoda & Mount Fuji
» Shibazakura Festival – Beautiful flower carpet at Mount Fuji
» Tokyo – Shinjuku District & Hibiya Oktoberfest